John 'Jack' Schermerhorn, 72, of Princess Anne, Maryland, passed away peacefully at home on March 1, 2026

Born on April 20, 1953, Jack was the son of the late Clinton J. Schermerhorn and Alice G. Schermerhorn. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Janet O'Neill and Judy Wilk.

He is survived by his wife, Frances 'Tudy' Miller Schermerhorn of Princess Anne, Maryland; his son, John c. Schermerhorn and daughter-in-law Jennifer L. Schermerhorn of Adamstown, Maryland; and his beloved grandchildren, Claire 0. Schermerhorn and Cole E. Schermerhorn. He is also survived by his nieces, Debbie Thomas and Chrissy Wyse, and his nephew, Eric Noble.

Originally from Canton, Massachusetts, Jack remained a New Englander at heart, always making time for the Red Sox and the Patriots, while also happily making the trip to Camden Yards to cheer on the Orioles. He was an outgoing man with an opinion about everything, and he was never afraid to share it, whether the subject was politics, food, the environment, sports, or whatever happened to come up in the moment. In Jack's view, almost any topic was worth a lively discussion, and he was usually ready to improve your thinking on it.

Jack had a rare gift for conversation and connection. He could make a best friend anywhere, and often at the least convenient possible time: with movers on moving day, with a cashier while the line grew longer behind him, or with just about anyone willing to engage in a good exchange. He loved karaoke, parties, crowded rooms, and any gathering where there was enough·energy, laughter, and conversation to keep things interesting. He was happiest when he had a microphone, an audience, or both.

A born salesman, Jack could sell just about anything, and he did it with charm, humor, and force of personality. One of the happiest chapters of his professional life was spent in the wine business, especially traveling to conventions with his close friend Paul Monte, helping market European wines to the U.S. market on a shoestring budget while somehow managing to make very big things happen. He retired from wine sales and national distribution as Vice President and General Manager of Laureate Imports Company, after also having worked earlier in claims for Aetna Insurance, and Coca-Cola.

Jack graduated from Canton High School in Canton, Massachusetts, and Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts, where he earned a B.A. in Political Science.

He loved fishing, and he loved telling fishing stories even more, especially the kind where the fish seemed to get just a little larger every time the story was retold. He loved music ranging from Andrea Bocelli and Sinatra to songs from the 1960s and old Irish pub favorites. He loved singing, good company, and a room full of people ready to join in.

He was also a devoted advocate for the Eastern Shore he came to love so deeply. Jack cared fiercely about protecting Somerset County, Kings Creek, the marshes, the wetlands, and the Chesapeake Bay. He spoke up against runoff, pollution, industrial shortcuts, and threats to the natural beauty and health of the place he called home. He was also an avid gardener, with a level of optimism for planting that occasionally exceeded his enthusiasm for maintenance.

Most of all, Jack loved his family and friends. He taught the people around him how to give a real hug and how to say "I love you" without hesitation. He did not get everything right, although he would almost certainly have mounted a spirited defense of his record, but nobody who knew him ever doubted how deeply he cared. He was outgoing, funny, persuasive, affectionate, stubborn, generous, and gloriously impossible to ignore.

Jack will be remembered for his stories, his convictions, his laughter, his giant personality, and his ability to walk into almost any room and leave with new friends. He will also be remembered as a man who always had something to say, whether or not the subject had invited him, and whose voice, humor, and warmth made life bigger for the people around him.

A memorial service will be held at Hinman Funeral Home in Princess Anne, MD on March 28th at 1Oam with Father Dan Staniskis delivering the eulogy. Family and friends are invited to Sugar Water Restaurant afterwards.

Donations in memory of Jack may be made to Maryland Coastal Bays, 8219 Stephen Decatur Hwy, Berlin, MD 21812; Antioch Angels, 11656 Somerset Ave, Princess Anne, MD 21853 or American Legion #94, Princess Anne, MD 21853. The service will be live streamed on YouTube.com/Hinman Funeral Home.